Defining Marketing as 4Ps, 7Ps or any number of Ps is a numerical art - is there more than what seems to be oversimplified into Ps? Explore the 'patterns' around us...some call it marketing as well!

Friday, September 30, 2005

You are Germany!

If you thought that the “feel good” factor can only be attributed to the shrewd brains of the profligate BJP Government and a high-budget campaign can only be their prerogative, think again!

A New Ad campaign has been launched to motivate the Germans, who are facing a crisis situation, as a result of which the confidence level of the country has plummeted over the past few weeks; Resulting in a deep sense of dissatisfaction and skepticism in the minds of the Germans.

Called “Du Bist Deutschland!” (You are Germany) the non-commercial campaign was launched on 25th September and would run for 4 months in print and TV media.

The basic issue that triggered the need for such a campaign is German Mentality! In an article in BBC, the Organizer Bernd Bauer substantiates this argument -"You know, we simply tend to see things even more negatively than they actually are, and that's where we want to initiate a change and that's one of the reasons for this campaign."

As a result, the campaign hopes to motivate each individual to make their own personal contribution to lifting Germany out of its 'crisis' (Source)Double spread newspaper adverts urge readers to see themselves as successors to Germany's famous sons and daughters ranging from scientific geniuses – "You are Albert Einstein" – to racing driver Michael Schumacher or entrepreneur Beate Uhse.(Source)

It provokes an introspection by every German and asks if he knows his significance in the country.. As a response, the Ad continues to say.. (I really like this line) -“Unlikely, you say? Then why do you cheer on your team in the stadium if your voice is unimportant? Why do you wave your flag when Schumacher whizzes around the racing circuit? Because your flag is one of many, and out of your voice grows a whole chorus - you are one of many. You are Germany!" (Reference)

In one of the other Ads, as mentioned in BBC, it says "A butterfly can start a typhoon. No one's too small to make a difference," ...Guess, this needs to be reinforced in any place, where people start getting indifferent to the environment and its proceedings!

But a common underlying theme of the campaign is “"Don't ask what others can do for you. You are the others. You are Germany!"

The total Campaign has cost Germany $47 million, which, according to BBC, is the Biggest Ad Campaign in the History of Germany.It is produced by Star Ad agencies Jung von Matt and the funding comes from 25 blue-chip media companies, led by the Bertelsmann publishing empire.

Over 30 personalities have been asked to endorse the campaign, and include –